Easy Baked Chicken Quesadillas 

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal? Look no further than baked chicken quesadillas! This dish is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to your liking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful and filling meal in no time.

To make baked chicken quesadillas, you’ll need tortillas, shredded chicken, cheese, and any additional toppings you desire. 

You can use pre-cooked shredded chicken or cook your own to making this an easy dinner. 

Simply layer the chicken and cheese on the tortillas, fold it over, and bake in the oven until crispy and golden brown. 

Serve with your favorite toppings such as salsa, avocado, or sour cream.

Not only is this meal easy to make, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken. 

Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried quesadillas. 

If you want some other easy weeknight recipes, be sure to try my easy Caprese Flatbreads, delicious Garlic Bread Lasagna, or my simple Baked Pesto Chicken.

What is a quesadilla?

A quesadilla is a popular Mexican dish that consists of a tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients and then folded in half and cooked until the cheese is melted. 

It’s a simple yet delicious dish that can be customized to your liking, but remember to not skimp on the cheese!

Traditionally, quesadillas are made with a corn tortilla, but you can also use a flour tortilla. 

The tortilla is filled with shredded cheese, and then other ingredients can be added as desired, such as chicken, beef, vegetables, beans, or salsa.

Quesadillas are typically cooked on a griddle or in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. 

They’re often served with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa on top.

In addition to being a tasty and easy-to-make dish, quesadillas are also a great way to use up leftovers from other meals. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this great recipe! 

Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love it:

• It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. If you have some cooked chicken in the fridge that needs to be used up, this recipe is the perfect solution.
• It’s customizable. You can add in any extra ingredients you have on hand, like bell peppers, onions, or black beans, to make it your own.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, everyone loves a good quesadilla.
• It’s easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• It’s budget-friendly. This recipe uses ingredients that are affordable and easy to find at any grocery store.
• It’s a one-pan meal. You can make the entire recipe in just one pan, which means less cleanup for you. Plus, this giant quesadilla is a kid favorite.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Quesadilla

To make a delicious baked chicken quesadilla, you need the right ingredients. 

Here are the essential ingredients you need to create a mouth-watering quesadilla.

• Shredded chicken breast: This is the main protein source in the quesadilla. You can use leftover chicken or cook fresh chicken for this recipe.
• Taco seasoning: This adds a spicy and savory flavor to the chicken. You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own.
• Cheese: The cheese is the main ingredient that makes the quesadilla so deliciously cheesy. You can use any cheese variety that you prefer, but some of the most popular options are cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blend. These cheeses melt easily and add a rich flavor to the quesadilla
• Bell peppers: These add a sweet and crunchy texture to the quesadilla. You may use red peppers, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, or orange bell pepper.
• Red onions: This adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the quesadilla. If you have a yellow or sweet onion in your refrigerator, that will work, too!
• Butter: This is used for brushing on the pan to keep the quesadillas from sticking and on the tortilla to get them crispy. If you don’t have butter, just brush on some extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
• Sour cream: This is used inside the quesadilla with the filling as well as a topping. It adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the quesadilla.
• Black beans: These add a hearty and filling texture to the quesadilla.
• Corn: This adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the quesadilla.
• Rotel tomatoes: These add a spicy and tangy flavor to the quesadilla.

Tortilla Selection

The tortilla is the base of the quesadilla, so it’s important to choose the right one. 

You can use either flour or corn tortillas, but flour tortillas are the most commonly used since they have a subtly sweet flavor and are soft and pliable, making them easy to fold and roll.

Corn tortillas, on the other hand, are more traditional and have a slightly different flavor.

Make Quesadillas in 3 Easy Steps

1. Chicken Filling– To make delicious baked chicken quesadillas, you first need to prepare the chicken mixture. Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Then, take a large mixing bowl and combine pre-shredded or small pieces of cooked chicken with your taco seasonings. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika to add flavor to the chicken mixture if you don’t have a packet of taco seasoning. Add all of the other ingredients, besides the tortillas, to a large bowl and mix well.
2. Assembling the Quesadilla– Now it’s time to assemble your quesadillas. Brush melted butter on a baking sheet and start placing your tortillas around the baking sheet. Start with the perimeter of the cookie sheet, slightly overlapping the tortillas. Finish by placing two tortillas in the middle of the pan. Dump your filling on the tortillas and spread it evenly. Fold the tortillas and brush with butter!
3. Baking the Quesadilla- Place a cookie sheet on top to prevent burning and bake for 25 minutes.

That’s it! Your delicious baked chicken quesadillas are ready to be served. Cut them into wedges and enjoy them with your favorite salsa or guacamole.

What to Serve with Quesadillas

When it comes to serving baked chicken quesadillas, there are a variety of options to choose from that can complement the flavors of the dish. 

One of the best things about quesadillas is that they can be customized to your liking with a variety of favorite toppings. 

​What you put on the top of the quesadillas is just as important as what’s inside. Feel free to add an extra layer of cheese on top, too!

Some popular options include:

• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced jalapeños
• Lime Wedges
• Hot Sauce
• Pico de Gallo
• Mango Salsa

Storage and Reheating

• Storing Leftovers– A baked quesadilla makes great leftovers. If you have a few left from supper, let the quesadillas cool down to room temperature. Once they are cool, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air from getting in. Alternatively, you can store them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. If you’re stacking the leftover chicken quesadillas, separate them with a layer of paper towel to absorb any moisture. This will help keep the tortillas from getting soggy. 
• Reheating Instructions– When you’re ready to eat your leftover quesadillas, there are a few ways to reheat them. The easiest way is to use a microwave. Place the quesadillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they are hot all the way through.If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat the quesadillas in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake them for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Variations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up with your baked chicken quesadilla, there are plenty of variations and substitutions you can try. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Protein Variations

While chicken is the traditional protein for quesadillas, there are plenty of other options you can try. Here are a few ideas:

• Ground beef: Brown some ground beef in a skillet and use it in place of the chicken.
• Steak: Thinly slice steak and sauté it in a skillet before mixing with your filling ingredients.
• Black beans: For a vegetarian option, try using black beans instead of chicken.

Cheese Alternatives

Mexican cheese blend is a common cheese for quesadillas, but there are plenty of other cheeses you can use as well. 

• Cheddar cheese: Shred some cheddar cheese and use it in place of the Mexican cheese blend.
• Monterey Jack: This mild, creamy cheese is a great option for quesadillas.
• Pepper Jack: If you like a little spice, try using pepper jack cheese instead.

How to Cook Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal to prepare. They are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. 

Here are three different ways to cook quesadillas that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Air Fryer Quesadillas

If you have an air fryer, you can make crispy and delicious quesadillas in just a few minutes. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Place your quesadilla in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Sheet pan quesadillas are a great option if you want to make multiple quesadillas at once. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place your quesadillas on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
5. Cut into wedges and serve.

Baked Chicken Quesadilla Recipe